By Elizabeth Ladi Samuel
Kogi State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism has defended the Ministry’s 2026 budget proposals at Kogi State House of Assembly, Lokoja.
While defending the budget estimates, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hajiya Fatimah Momoh, expressed gratitude to God for the privilege to present performance report, and as well outlined 2026 proposed budget projections.
The Hon. Commissioner highlighted some key notable milestone achievements, through the unwavering support of the Chief Servant of the State, His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo.
She stated that Kogi State Council for Art and Culture participated in the 2025 Osaka Japan Exco Fair on the 30th to 12th of June 2025.
Similarly, she noted that they were also at the National Tourism Policy validation workshop in Abuja on the 13th to 19th November 2025, while the Ministry also represented Kogi State at the 37th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), in Enugu State on 22nd to 29th November 2025.
The Hon. Commissioner, however, passionately appealed to the members of the committee to help overcome the challenges faced by the ministry.
These, according to her include; funding constraints, particularly approved budgets not being cash-backed, Inadequate staffing, with only two officers each in the departments of Tourism, Hotels and Cooperate Services, Arts and Creative Economy.
Based on these, she said the Ministry’s ability to deliver on its mandate is being hindered.
While presenting her challenges, the General Manager Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board, Hon. Prince Phillip Orebiyi stressed the need to take the security of hoteliers in Kogi State serious.
She admonished the hoteliers to work hand in hand with the security personnel to ensure that, their hotels are secured to meet the standard in terms of security as set by his Excellency Alhaji Usman Ododo.
Director Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Elizabeth Eleojo Omade outlined the challenges faced by the Council, the need for a new theater building for artistes performances, and the renovation of dilapidated facilities.
The Chairman Committe on Culture and Tourism Hon. Idowu Ibikunle recalled the committee’s visit to the Ministry, which he said gave him picture of the challenges presented by the Ministry.
He assured the Hon. Commissioner that the committee will play her part, to ensuring that the needful is done.
Member of the Committee, Hon. Prince Bode Ogunmola, reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to look into the budget proposals presented and do its part when the need arises.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ojoma commended the Hon. Commissioner, Hajiya Fatimah Momoh for promoting and preserving the culture and tourism of Kogi State.
Hon. Fatimah Momoh expressed heart felt appreciation to the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ojoma Nwuchola, the Chairman and members of the Committee, for their unalloyed dedication, commitment and support to the Ministry when called upon, and ensuring the success of budget defence session.
Information Officer,
Ministry of Culture and tourism.
